Wildcats facing long trips in the new-look English Challenge Cup

SWINDON Wildcats are facing trips to Gillingham and the Isle of Wight in the new look English Challenge Cup.

The competition has been given an overhaul for the new campaign with teams from the National League being brought in to face sides from the EPL.

And Ryan Aldridge’s men have been placed in the South Group which contains regular foes MK Lightning, Basingstoke Bison, Bracknell Bees and Guildford Flames as well as Chelmsford Chieftans, Gillingham-based Invicta Dynamos and Wightlink Raiders.

In the North Group Solway Sharks, Blackburn Hawks and the Billingham Stars will join EPL regulars Manchester Phoenix, Telford Tigers, Peterborough Phantoms and Sheffield Steeldogs.